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Melissa Hippard, Director of the Loma Prieta chapter of the Sierra Club and Redwood City resident, complimented the City Council for taking a proactive approach to the project and recognizing the value that local partnerships have for enhanced refuge management and user experience. She stated that the Chapter supports the direction of the preferred alternative identified in the recently released draft environmental impact report for Bair Island. She stated the following response to some of the City's recommendations: one access point for Bair Island is most appropriate in order to minimize negative impacts of predators and control public access at a single point. The suggestion of a bridge between the existing parking lot on Bair Island Road and inner Bair Island has some merits and should be studied for potential. A bridge on the north end is not necessary nor reasonable. Whipple Avenue access — the emergency service access to this location will always be necessary. Under these circumstances, it will always be a place where the public can access the refuge property. Dredge soils from Redwood Shores lagoon — this should be considered only upon verification of the quality of the dredge materials. She urged revising the plan to remove the proposed northern parking lot and reopen discussion with refuge over the trail area in the P.G. & E. easement and the Whipple Avenue access point. Nita R. Spangler stated that she has watched the property and that the matter of restoration is complex with studies and academia from around the bay working on the project. She stated that as a former San Mateo County Commissioner for 14 years she is aware of the reason the County does not allow dogs in its parks. She stated that the animal world smells each other and the dog scent drives away wildlife. She named Redwood City residents and others in the Council Chamber who have worked on the Bair Island restoration and have not received any recognition for the good deeds done. She reminded Council that people might be the worst predators. She further stated that Redwood City has real open spaces with native areas, great scenery, good places to enjoy and a wonderful population that loves to volunteer their time and be very constructive. Council Members commented on the plan thanking the subcommittee members and the various public speakers for their comments. Council Member Hartnett commented on his motion stating that a feature of the City's plan that was not highlighted is the City's effort to seek funding to implement the plan. The plan is one with limitations but is a step in the right direction of being a part of the process. Council Member Ruskin applauded the subcommittee for the dedication and hard work and supported the idea of local partnership, public access and education. He stated that he cannot embrace the resolution as stated for several reasons such as needing more information about the certainty of the impacts of the v�rious proposals. He stated his preference to present the plan as something to be explored mutually by the NFWS and the City. CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SEPTEMBER 13, 2004 JOINT MEETING MINUTES PAGE 10